BIG BANG: Some folks say shooting off...

BIG BANG: Some folks say shooting off fireworks in your back yard is a patriotic way to celebrate the Fourth of July. To the distress of fire officials, Palmdale still allows the devices, the only government in the San Fernando Valley region to do so (B14). . . . Professional fireworks, meanwhile, are a more complicated and, to the public, safer enterprise. See Valley Briefing (B2).

BORN FREE: Responding to pressure from wildlife advocates and their own liability concerns, Los Angeles animal control officials no longer trap and kill coyotes. . . . But some residents fear coyotes will now be free to attack livestock and pets (B1).

FLYING HIGH: Like avid golfers who live next to the links, residents of Rosamond Skypark in the far stretches of the Antelope Valley mix their homes with their passion. In this case, flying. . . . Each of the 28 single-story houses comes with an airplane hangar and access to a 3,600-foot runway (B1).

LAST HURRAH: On the next to last day of his historic, 32-year career as a Los Angeles City Councilman, Ernani Bernardi was still pushing one of his pet projects. It fit the 81-year-old councilman’s longstanding philosophy. . . . Columnist Scott Harris finds that, in a city where politicians are sometimes uninspiring, it’s easy to have a soft spot for the old pol. (B1).

FINISHING TOUCH: With a Fu Manchu mustache and surly demeanor, Rod Beck of the San Francisco Giants fits the image of a major league relief pitcher. Beck, formerly of Grant High in Van Nuys, has racked up saves at a record pace this season (C12). . . . Despite his lofty statistics, Beck is flattered at merely being considered an All-Star game candidate.

Playing With Fire

Hospitals statewide have reported a significant drop in the number of injuries caused each year by fireworks. Statewide 1982: 613 1992: 249

Los Angeles County 1982: 197 1992: 90

Source: California State Fire Marshal